text: Two methods of electron counting are "neutral counting" and "ionic counting". Both approaches give the same result (and can therefore be used to verify one's calculation). 
  *The neutral counting approach assumes the molecule or fragment being studied consists of purely covalent bonds. It was popularized by Malcolm Green along with the L and X ligand notation. It is usually considered easier especially for low-valent transition metals.
  *The "ionic counting" approach assumes purely ionic bonds between atoms.
  It is important, though, to be aware that most chemical species exist between the purely covalent and ionic extremes.